Apple's iPad 2 is here, and from what we've heard, if you didn't pick up one on launch day, you probably won't get one for a while. As with all things Apple, the iPad 2 is selling like hotcakes; and why not-- Apple single-handedly created a flourishing consumer tablet market.

The iPad 2 is an evolutionary improvement over the first gen model. It upgrades to a dual Core 1GHz A5 CPU from the single core 1GHz A4 in the original iPad, and doubles RAM to 512 megs. It's available in 16, 32 and 64 gig versions, just like the last model and pricing remains the same. The base 16 gig WiFi model is $499 and the top 64 gig WiFi + 3G model is $829. With the second gen model you have a choice between Verizon and AT&T if you want 3G, and you can pay month-to-month with no contract. The iPad 2 adds both front and rear cameras, and though their quality is less than remarkable, the large screen is lovely for FaceTime video chats.

The iPad and iPad 2.

The new model is thinner (0.34" vs. 0.5") and a little lighter (1.33 vs. 1.5 pounds). It's also more slippery and curvy. Is it a whole new animal that puts the original iPad to shame? Not quite. Is it one of the best tablets on the market? Yes. We'll explore the iPad 2's pros and cons in detail in our full written review.

Here's our iPad 2 video review. We test out browser performance against other tablets, check out FaceTime, Photo Booth and 3D gaming. We also compare the iPad 2 with the original iPad and the Motorola Xoom.

We'll have a separate comparison video and article that compares the iPad 2 and Xoom as well.